The Flying Tiger Trio--three figures (Claire Lee Chennault, Anna Chan Chennault, Tex Hill)--RETIRED--LAST ONE!!
$149.00
Item Number: AF044
"The Flying Tiger Trio"
Claire Lee Chennault was a Texas-born pilot who served in the U.S. Army Air Corps for many years before retiring in 1937 and joining the Nationalist Chinese Air Force to help train them to fight the Japanese invaders then rampaging across China. In 1940, Chennault was sent to America to obtain 100 modern fighter planes, pilots to fly them and ground crew to carry the fight to the enemy.
Although America was not officially in the war, President Roosevelt secretly authorized 100 pilots (enough to man at least three squadrons) and almost 200 other ground crew personnel to be recruited along with approving the sale of 100 Curtiss P40’s. Together they would form the ‘American Volunteer Group’ and Claire Chennault was to be its leader. Anna Chan Chennault was Chennault’s second wife. Originally a reporter and war correspondent, she became a prominent Republican member of the U.S. China Lobby and a powerful woman in her own right. During WWII, she often wore traditional Chinese dress.
David ‘Tex’ Hill was one of the best known of the ex military aviators who were recruited to join the Flying Tigers. Originally trained and qualified as a U.S. Navy pilot, he would become an ‘ace’ with at least 6 victories while flying with the ‘Tigers’. After his China service he would transfer to the Army Air Corps and eventually the U.S. Air Force where he remained until his retirement in 1968 as a Brigadier General.
Released in NOVEMBER 2019.
RETIRED.
LAST ONE!!
